During the crisp fall season, there are not many things I rather be doing then wrapping myself in a cozy sweater and sipping a fine whiskey. New Yorkers have returned to the city from their summer getaways and bars and restaurants are buzzing with locals once again. It never fails that once October comes, I get a resurgence of excitement about living in one of the greatest cities in the world. With a multitude of things to do in this city, I turn to my whiskey friends to fill up my weekends.

A few weeks ago I was delighted to meet Tullamore D.E.W. Brand Ambassador Eimear Kelleher. Fresh to this new adventure, Eimear has already tapped into the NYC whiskey scene. She is partnering with Irish designer, Sinéad Lawlor to celebrate whiskey for a cause. Sinéad has designed limited edition one of a kind labels for Tullamore D.E.W. to celebrate the work being done at the Susan G. Komen foundation. This Sunday, October 26th from 6 to 8PM Eimear and Sinéad invite you to be a part of the unveiling of the limited edition bottles. The event is at Whitman & Bloom where there will be custom created whiskey cocktails (appropriately in the shade of pink). So if you are a fan of the whiskey, stop by for an evening of fine drinks and design in support of a great cause!

Back in March I wrote to you about the exciting competition Hudson Whiskey had launched to find their new Brand Ambassador. After following the contest for the past four months, the team at Hudson has found their match! Check out Han Shan, Hudson’s newest addition.

When warm weather approaches, many imbibers switch from sipping whiskey to an icy concoction. I too enjoy a cooling beverage on a hot day, but often keep my beloved whiskey as a base. To start Memorial Day Weekend off with a bang i’d like to share my favorite whiskey cocktails on ice! NEW YORK SOUR I have to admit, I never thought of mixing red wine with whiskey, but hey why not! Liquor.com contributor Jacques Bezuidenhout shared this cooling sweet and sour tipple.

2 oz Rye whiskey or Bourbon

.75 oz Simple syrup (one part sugar, one part water)

1 oz Fresh lemon juice

1 Egg white (optional)

.5 oz Red wine

Add all the ingredients except the wine to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Carefully pour the wine over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the drink. (recipe from Liquor.com)

PENICILLIN For those who cannot get enough of the smokiness of an Islay Scotch, The Penicillin is the way to go. A spirit forward cocktail balanced with gooey honey and citrus and topped off with your favorite Scottish smoke.

2 ounces blended Scotch whisky (such as Grant’s)

3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

3/4 ounce honey syrup

3 slices fresh ginger

1/4 ounce Islay single malt Scotch (such as Laphroaig)

Muddle fresh ginger in the bottom of a cocktail shaker until it is well mashed. Add blended Scotch, lemon juice, and honey syrup to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake quickly until chilled. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and pour the Islay Scotch over the back of a bar spoon so that it floats atop the drink.MONKEY JAM SOUR Last but not least is my personal favorite of the moment. Mixing this with Monkey Shoulder is a MUST but it will not disappoint!

1.5 ounces Monkey Shoulder

.2 ounces sugar syrup

2 tsp Jam (of your choice – any and all work!)

.7 ounces fresh lemon juice

Soda water (optional)

Dash orange bitters

Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Add fresh ice and shake quickly until chilled. Strain into an ice filled glass. Top with soda water if you choose! I would love to hear what your favorite whiskey cocktails are and add to my ever growing recipe book. Cheers and Happy Memorial Day!

In the spirit of March Madness, BourbonBlog.com gives you Booze Brackets! Visit BoozeBrackets.com to submit your vote (or votes) to support your favorite whiskies. The first round ends tonight at midnight so catch it while you can!

Last week in my post A Whisky Lovers Dream Job, I announced to you all the amazing program that Hudson Distillery has launched to find their new Brand Ambassador. This week I couldn’t resist but share with you this episode I received from the Hudson team about Women in Whiskey. Enjoy and stay tuned for more Hudson Whiskey episodes!